The 30-share index
resumed lower at 19,926.10 and dropped further to a low of 19,883.19, following weak IIP and retail inflation numbers that came after trading hours on Friday. It later recovered to end with a gain of 0.38%. The Sensex last closed above the 20,000 mark on May 30, when it was at 20,215.40.

The 50-share Nifty index on the NSE rose 21.80 points, or 0.36%, to 6,030.80. The SX40 index on the MCX-SX closed 51.15 points, or 0.43%, higher at 11,940.03.

Firmness in the Asian and European markets and an indication of a higher opening in US index futures also boosted market sentiment.

Inflation based on the wholesale price index accelerated to 4.86% in June from 4.7% in May, according to government data released on Monday.